CHAPTER 3 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Changes in Chapter 3 between Draft and Final EIS Section 3 – Table 3.1.2. The Basic Assumptions about Alternatives Table has been modified removing the active verb “will” and replacing it with “may” in the following sentence; The river segments would be determined suitable and may be recommended for designation. Section 3.2 – General Environment and throughout the document. The paragraph describing the inclusion of private land in maps and descriptions has been updated. Section 3.2 – General Environment; Section 3.3f – Geologic and Hydrologic Values; Section 3.3g – Ecological Values. Geological and Ecological outstanding remarkable values were removed from Mamie creek. Section 3.2 – General Environment; 3.3g – Ecological Values. Ecological outstandingly remarkable value was removed from Death Hollow Creek. Sections 3.3 to 3.18 have been modified to include the analysis of Alternative 7, the changes in rivers in Alternative 3 and 4, as well as the clarification of the definition of reasonably foreseeable water project and updates from information submitted during the DEIS comment period. The difference between the Alternatives 3 and 4 was that Alternative 3 contained those river segments that did not have existing or reasonably foreseeable water projects or other developmental activities and Alternative 4 contained segments that could have been adversely affected by existing or reasonably foreseeable future water resource projects or other developmental activities. In the Draft EIS, river segments in Alternatives 3 and 4 included the best representation of outstanding remarkable values and were based on the best available information about potential projects at the Draft EIS release. Between the Draft and Final EIS, new information was found or presented about reasonably foreseeable developments that caused shifting of rivers between Alternatives 3 and 4. Section 3.3a – Scenic Value. Scenic outstanding remarkable value descriptions have been reviewed and revised to ensure that the scenic value occurs within the ¼ mile corridor. Section 3.6 – Mineral Resources. Areas already designated Wilderness was exactly defined in table. The section and table were adapted to reflect the fact that Research Natural Areas are not necessarily withdrawn from mineral entry Section 3.10 – Social and Economic Resources. References consulted expanded for environmental consequences. Potential economic and social impacts discussion expanded. Section 3.12 – Water Resources and Water Developments and throughout the document. Comments on the DEIS provided more detailed information regarding the locations of projects, withdrawn lands, and the development of feasibility studies. These changes resulted in additions to or omissions of water development projects that are currently being analyzed. Following receipt of new information from the DEIS comments, the Forest Service determined that many of the water development projects were not reasonably foreseeable and changes are reflected in FEIS Section 3.12 and throughout the document. Section 3.12 – Water Resources and Water Developments. Limits to Water Resource Development Analysis removed. West Fork Whiterocks River diversion added to Table 3.12.3. Definition of Reasonably Foreseeable Water Development added. Tables 3.12.6 -3.12.9 removed. Information added to 3.12.4. Section 3.14 – Cumulative Effects Analysis. Section updated following release of BLM Proposed Resource Management Plans and Final EISs in 2008. CHAPTER 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 3.1 Introduction ______________________________________ This chapter focuses on selected resources in the 86 eligible river segment study areas. Only those resources relevant to the issues identified in Chapter 1, Section 1.11 – Issues are described and analyzed in Chapter 3. The chapter summarizes the physical, biological, social, and economic environments of selected resources and describes the environment that could be affected by implementation of the alternatives. It also describes the effects of implementing each alternative on that environment and uses and activities that may be precluded, limited or enhanced if the river segment and its corridor were included in the National System. Direct and indirect effects are described by resource area in Sections 3.3 to 3.13, and Section 3.14 describes the cumulative effects analysis. This chapter also presents the scientific and analytical basis for the comparison of alternatives presented in Chapter 2, Section 2.4 – Comparison of Alternatives. The techniques and methodologies used in this analysis consider the best available science. The analysis references scientific sources relied on. When appropriate, the conclusions are based on the scientific analysis that shows a thorough review of relevant scientific information. The information for Table 3.1.1 was obtained from FSH 1909.12, Chapter 80, Section 82.51, Management Guidelines for Eligible or Suitable Rivers. It describes the guidelines that apply to interim management of eligible or suitable rivers identified through agency planning as Section 5(d)(1) study rivers. The protection necessary to maintain a river segment as a potential wild and scenic river may be modified or discontinued for identified rivers upon a finding of ineligibility or nonsuitability. Management of river segments would continue to be in accordance with existing laws, regulations, and land and resource management plans (Forest Plans). If a river is designated, refer to Appendix C – Wild and Scenic River Management Statutory Requirements and Appendix D – Effects of Managing a River as a Component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Table 3.1.1. Restriction to activities within stream corridors based on classification. A Responsible Official may authorize site-specific projects and activities on National Forest System lands within river corridors eligible or suitable where the project and activities are consistent with the following: Water Resources Projects (Water Supply/Flood Control) Wild, Scenic, Recreational. A water resources project is defined in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations part 297 (36 CFR part 297) as the construction of developments that affect the river’s free-flowing characteristics. Water resources projects proposed on a section 5(d)(1) study river will be analyzed as to their effect on a river’s free-flow, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs), with adverse effects prevented to the extent of existing agency authorities (such as special-use authority). Hydroelectric Power Wild, Scenic, Recreational. Section 5(d)(1) study rivers found eligible are to be protected pending a suitability determination. Protect section 5(d)(1) study rivers found suitable for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (National System) for their free-flowing condition, water quality, and ORVs. Minerals Wild. (1) Locatable. Existing or new mining activity on a section 5(d)(1) study river are subject to regulations in 36 CFR part 228 and shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes surface disturbance, sedimentation and pollution, and visual impairment. (2) Leasable. Leases, licenses, and permits under mineral leasing laws are subject to conditions necessary to protect the values of the river corridor in the event it is subsequently included in the National System. Wild and Scenic River Suitability Study 3-1 for National Forests in Utah Final EIS (3) Saleable. Disposal of saleable mineral material is prohibited to protect river values. Scenic, Recreational. (1) Locatable. Existing or new mining activity on a section 5(d)(1) study river are subject to regulations in 36 CFR part 228 and must be conducted in a manner that minimizes surface disturbance, sedimentation and pollution, and visual impairment. (2) Leasable. Leases, licenses, and permits under mineral leasing laws would be subject to conditions necessary to protect the values of the river corridor in the event it is subsequently included in the National System. (3) Saleable. Saleable mineral material disposal is allowed if the values for which the river may be included in the National System are protected. Transportation System Wild. New roads are not generally compatible with this classification. A few existing roads leading to the boundary of the river corridor may be acceptable. New trail construction should generally be designed for nonmotorized uses. However, limited motorized uses that are compatible with identified values and unobtrusive trail bridges may be allowed. New airfields may not be developed. Scenic. New roads and railroads are permitted to parallel the river for short segments or bridge the river if such construction fully protects river values (including river’s free-flowing character). Bridge crossings and river access are allowed. New trail construction or airfields must be compatible with and fully protect identified values. Recreational. New roads and railroads are permitted to parallel the river if such construction fully protects river values (including river’s free-flowing character). Bridge crossings and river access are allowed. New trail construction or airfields must be compatible with and fully protect identified values. Utility Proposal Wild, Scenic, Recreational. New transmission lines such as gas lines, water lines, and so forth are discouraged. Where no reasonable alternative exists, additional or new facilities should be restricted